If you played tennis for years, switching to pickleball can feel a bit strange at first. The paddle is smaller, the swing is shorter, and the ball reacts faster than what you’re used to.

Many tennis players notice this right away on the pickleball court. Shots you expect to land start dropping into the net, and your timing feels slightly off. Most of this comes down to using a paddle that doesn’t match your usual feel.

There are many paddles out there, and each one plays differently. If you want a quick refresher on the basics, you can check a simple guide on how to choose your first pickleball paddle. But this list is focused on the best pickleball paddles for tennis players who want something that feels familiar, controlled, and easy to swing.

Let’s start with the top picks.

 

Best Pickleball Paddles for Tennis Players

Before getting into the details of what tennis players should look for, it helps to start with the best paddles right now. These are the models that give you solid control, strong spin, and a familiar feel if you played tennis before switching to pickleball.

Many pickleball paddles on the market work well, but the ones below stand out because of their shape, power, and longer handle options. Most players coming from tennis want a paddle that feels stable in the hand and gives a clean hit on the pickleball court, and these picks do exactly that.

1. JOOLA Collin Johns Scorpeus CFS 16mm

This JOOLA Collin Johns Scorpeus paddle is one of the top choices for tennis players who want more power and spin without losing control. The raw carbon friction face grabs the ball well, which helps a lot when you are still adjusting your swing from tennis to pickleball. The wide sweet spot also feels forgiving when you are still getting used to shorter swings.

It has a strong, crisp feel that works great for players who like countering fast shots. If you want something stable with good durability and consistency, this is one of the best pickleball paddles to start with. You can also explore other carbon fiber pickleball paddles if you want to compare similar builds and face textures.

2. JOOLA Andre Agassi Pro 16mm

The Agassi Pro paddle is built for tennis players who want a stable paddle with a familiar racket-like feel. Its shape follows the style of Agassi’s original tennis frame, and the added weight in the throat helps the paddle stay steady during fast swinging and blocking. The extended sweet spot also reaches farther toward the top corners, which reduces mishits and gives you cleaner contact on the pickleball court.

The 16mm core gives controlled power, and the long handle supports two handed backhands without feeling cramped. This paddle works well for players who want a mix of power and control while keeping a comfortable shape that feels close to what they used in tennis.

3. CRBN 3X Hybrid Shape Power Series 14mm

The CRBN 3X is a strong match for tennis players who want a paddle with quick response and plenty of spin. The raw carbon face grips the ball well, which helps you control your shots without closing the paddle too much. This matters a lot during the transition, since tennis players often swing with more topspin and need a face that can keep the ball from sliding off. At 14mm, the core gives the paddle a crisp, lively feel that reacts fast on drives and counters.

Its hybrid shape offers a good blend of reach and forgiveness, so you get enough length for swinging freely without losing the sweet spot. The lightweight build makes it easy to react at the kitchen, and the firm core gives you solid power and spin on quick exchanges. If you want something that feels fast in the hands and supports your natural tennis motion, this is one of the better options.

4. CRBN 1X Elongated Power Series 16mm

The CRBN 1X is a strong choice for tennis players who want an elongated pickleball paddle with more reach. This shape helps if you played tennis and still swing with a longer motion, since the paddle gives you extra space to make contact without feeling cramped. The raw carbon face also grips the ball well, which improves spin control and keeps the ball from sliding off the surface when you swing fast.

With its 16mm core, the paddle feels slightly softer than the CRBN 3X, giving you steadier touch on drops and resets. It still delivers plenty of power and spin, so you get a nice balance between control and clean hits from the baseline. Most players who want more power and a long handle for two handed backhands will find the 1X easy to adjust to. Compare this with other paddles designed for big power and long reach if you want to see similar options with different shapes.

5. Selkirk LABS Project 008

The Selkirk LABS Project 008 is built for tennis players who want a control paddle that still delivers steady power. Its PureFoam core is different from the usual polypropylene used in many paddles. This high-density foam gives the paddle a softer feel, longer dwell time, and better touch on the pickleball court. If you are transitioning from tennis and still adjusting to softer shots, this helps the ball stay on the face a bit longer without losing stability.

The T700 raw carbon face adds strong spin control, which is useful for players who swing fast or naturally create topspin from their tennis strokes. The thermoformed construction also increases durability and keeps the shape firm during hard swinging. Tennis players who rely on resets, blocks, and clean counterattacks will notice how stable this Selkirk paddle feels at the kitchen.

6. Selkirk LUXX Control Air – Epic

The Selkirk LUXX Control Air Epic is a solid pick for tennis players who want a control paddle that still gives a clean, comfortable hit. Its thick 20mm core softens impact, which helps a lot if you are still learning how to slow the ball down after years of swinging harder in tennis. This extra thickness adds dwell time, so the ball sits on the paddle a little longer, making drops and resets easier during your transition.

The Florek carbon fiber face adds enough grit for steady spin control, especially helpful for tennis players who naturally brush up on the ball. The large sweet spot also makes off-center hits feel more stable, which is useful when you’re adjusting to the smaller paddle shape. With a 5.25 inch handle, most players who use a two handed backhand will find the grip comfortable.

If you want a control paddle that feels smooth and forgiving, this fits well and stays consistent on the pickleball court. Check the best pickleball paddles here for more options.

7. Gearbox CX14E Ultimate Power Paddle

The Gearbox CX14E stands out for tennis players who want a paddle that delivers strong power while keeping a steady touch. Its Power Band technology creates a fast rebound, which helps a tennis player adjust from longer strokes to the shorter, quicker swings used on the pickleball court. The suspended SST core gives a solid feel on contact, making counterattacks and hand battles feel smooth and stable.

The edgeless frame also improves durability and makes off-center hits feel cleaner, which is common when players are still transitioning. Its elongated shape adds reach and gives more confidence when stretching for the ball. If you’re comparing how power paddles behave on court, our Gearbox Pro Power and Fusion Paddle Review offers a good example of how these designs influence pop, spin, and overall feel.

 

What Tennis Players Should Look For in a Pickleball Paddle

Tennis players switching to pickleball often notice right away that the ball reacts faster and pops off the face much quicker. This is because a pickleball paddle has no strings and doesn’t hold the ball the same way a tennis racket does. That difference alone affects how you swing, how the ball feels on contact, and how much control you get.

Spin Control and Raw Carbon Surfaces

If you played tennis, you already know how spin helps you shape the ball. When you switch to pickleball, you will feel the same need for grip on contact. That is why many tennis players like raw carbon pickleball paddles. Raw carbon grabs the ball better and gives steady spin control, so you can swing the way you are used to without the ball popping long. It feels more “tennis-like” and makes your shots easier to manage while you are adjusting.

Paddle Shape: Elongated Pickleball Paddle vs Standard

If you miss the reach of your tennis racket, an elongated pickleball paddle will feel natural. The longer shape helps you cover more space and gives you a higher sweet spot. You will notice that you can reach balls that usually feel too far with a shorter paddle. A standard shape still works, but if you rely on timing and reach, you may handle the elongated option better during your transition.

Handle Length for Two-Handed Backhands

If you are one of the many tennis players who still hit a two-handed backhand, the handle length will matter a lot. A longer handle gives you enough space for both hands so you do not feel cramped when you swing. It also helps with stability when the ball comes fast at your body. A short handle can make your shots feel stiff, so most players appreciate a bit more length here.

Power, Control, and Sweet Spot Feel

When you come from tennis, you naturally swing harder. That is why your early pickleball shots may hit the net or fly out. A control paddle with a wide sweet spot helps you settle your timing while still giving you solid power and spin. You get a smoother feel on contact, and your resets and volleys become more predictable. This helps a lot in the first few weeks when you are still getting used to the smaller paddle shape.

Paddle Thickness: 14mm vs 16mm+

If you are stuck choosing between thickness options, here’s the simple version. A 16mm pickleball paddle gives you more control, which helps a lot when you are still settling your timing on the pickleball court. The ball stays on the face a bit longer, so your drops, resets, and blocks feel smoother.

A 14mm build has a quicker pop and more power, but most tennis players handle the softer feel of a thicker paddle better in the beginning. We break this down more in our comparison of 14mm vs 16mm paddles.

 

Where to Start: How to Choose Your First Pickleball Paddle as a Tennis Player

Choosing your first pickleball paddle is much easier when you match it to the way you already swing. Since you played tennis, some paddles will feel more natural right away. Here is a clear way to break it down.

• Start with the handle. A longer handle helps if you still use a two-handed backhand. It gives your hands more room and keeps your swing stable when the ball comes fast.
• Pick a shape that feels familiar. An elongated pickleball paddle gives you reach that feels similar to a tennis racket. This shape helps with timing and coverage when you’re still adjusting.
• Match the feel to your swing. If you swing hard, a control paddle or thicker 16mm build helps keep the ball down. Players who want more power may prefer a thinner paddle with a quicker pop. Raw carbon faces also help because they create steady spin control that feels familiar if you brush up on the ball.

If you’re comparing many paddles, a simple guide helps. Take our quick pickleball paddles quiz to get options that match how you swing.

 

Ready to Find the Paddle That Fits Your Tennis Style?

Tennis players switching to pickleball do best with paddles that give reach, grip, and control. A longer handle, raw carbon surface, and a 16mm core usually make the transition smoother because they help you manage power, shape the ball, and stay consistent at the kitchen.

From there, it comes down to how you hit. Some players prefer a quicker pop for drives, while others want a softer feel for resets. The right paddle is simply the one that supports your natural swing.

You can shop our full lineup of pickleball paddles, bags, balls, and gear online, and we ship nationwide. Visit our pickleball store in Encinitas to test paddles in person and see the latest arrivals.

 

FAQs about Top Pickleball Paddles for Tennis Players

What is the best pickleball paddle for a tennis player?

Most tennis players feel most comfortable with elongated pickleball paddles that have a longer handle and a raw carbon surface. These features help you keep the reach you’re used to, support a two handed backhand, and give steady spin control. Paddles like the JOOLA Scorpeus CFS 16mm or CRBN 1X are common picks because they balance power and control while still feeling close to a tennis racket.

Do pickleball pros use 14mm or 16mm paddles?

Both. Pros choose based on feel and play style. A 14mm paddle has quicker pop and can give you more power, while a 16mm build offers better touch and stability. If you’re coming from tennis and still learning to control your swing on a pickleball court, the 16mm option is easier to manage.

Is a heavier pickleball paddle better for tennis elbow?

Not always. A little extra weight can help reduce vibration, but too much weight can strain your arm. For most players, a midweight paddle with a soft core or steady sweet spot feels better during long games. Tennis players who hit hard might prefer this setup because it absorbs shock and keeps the paddle stable during off-center hits.

What pickleball paddles do most pros use?

Most pros use raw carbon pickleball paddles because the gritty face gives reliable spin and a clean feel on fast exchanges. Many switch between 14mm and 16mm builds depending on whether they want more pop or more control. If you want a simple breakdown of what top players prefer, our guide on paddles commonly used by pro players explains the models and features you’ll see on tour.